The Sumptuous Soul of America

Overview

Explore the Deep South of America in style, on this deluxe escorted tour. You wil stay in luxurious hotels, including beautifully converted old plantation house, and enjoy delicious dinners including wine on several evenings. You will have a dedicated Tour Director and will enjoy the stories of local experts along the way.

Starting in Chicago and ending in New Orleans you will have some amazing and unique experiences over the two weeks.

Highlights

After touring Graceland, spend the evening with a close friend of Elvis, and enjoy a Highlight Dinner in the grounds of Elvis' home

Cruise along the Chicago River, learning about the city's history and architecture

Visit a bourbon distillery and a retired race-horse farm in Kentucky

Visit the Grand Ole Opry for a taping of the longest-running live radio programme in the country

Take a mixology class to learn the science of mixing the signature cocktail of the south the Mint Julep

Details

This unforgettable journey begins in Chicago, renowned for its restaurants, shopping and countless cultural attractions. Start your tour with a stay at an exclusive hotel near the Magnificent Mile, one of the most famous attractions in the Windy City, stretching from the bridge that spans the Chicago River to Oak Street, including a special welcome dinner with wine.

In the morning, begin your exploration of Chicago at the John Hancock Building’s 360 Chicago Observation Deck, located 1000 feet above the Magnificent Mile to take in the very best view in the city before embarking on an architectural river cruise. This 90-minute excursion will take you down the Chicago River while providing fascinating commentary about the city’s history and architecture. Learn how the Great Fire of 1871 paved the way for the birth of the skyscraper as you pass sights that include over 40 notable buildings and an impressive overall view of the skyline. Afterward, enjoy a Highlight Dinner with wine at Gibson's Bar and Steakhouse, a classic Chicago-style chophouse.

Make your way to the city of St. Louis, Missouri, home to the iconic Gateway Arch, a symbol of the city that marks the spot Lewis and Clark set out on their historic expedition. You may want to relax, or take a stroll in America’s oldest botanical garden, the National Historic Landmark Missouri Botanic Garden with 79 acres of plants, trees, shrubs and an impressive collection of rare orchids.

Overnight: Four Seasons Hotel, St. Louis (Breakfast included)

Day 4 - Louisville, KY

In the morning, hop on one of the lifts that will send you 630 feet up to the observation deck that sits at the highest point of the famous Gateway Arch for a fantastic bird’s-eye view of the city. Next move on by traveling through the Hoosier National Forest to Louisville, Kentucky home to the legendary Kentucky Derby, fried chicken, and the producer of the Louisville

Get immersed in Louisville culture by taking a guided tour of the grounds of a retired horse farm to learn about the city’s famous race horses, and then taste some of Kentucky’s signature spirit by visiting a bourbon distillery. You’ll even be let in on some of the insider secrets involved in making the drink before enjoying a sample.

Overnight: The Brown Hotel, Louisville (Breakfast included)

Day 6 - Nashville, TN

Continue the fun by taking a guided historic walking tour of Churchill Downs Here you’ll learn about the history of the Kentucky Derby, one of the longest continually running sporting events in America, and get to explore the Kentucky Derby Museum with its two floors of artefacts and collectibles, while gaining a special insider’s perspective via a private visit with retired jockey Charles Woods, Jr. If you like fast, sleek cars, you won’t want to miss getting an interesting history lesson on one of America’s favourite sports cars at the National Corvette Museum either.

In the morning, you can explore the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, filled with memorabilia from big stars like Garth Brooks and Hank Williams, and even hear the stories behind some of their hits from a local expert. Tour historic RCA Studio B, and gather around the legendary microphone for a recording session with a professional sound engineer, and then cap it all off with a visit to the Grand Ole Opry for a taping of the longest-running live radio programme in the country.

Travel to the birthplace of Blues and Rock n' Roll. Your day is at leisure to explore museums, shops or try some Memphis barbeque. The evening is devoted to Graceland, as much an abject of pilgrimage as a museum dedicated to the late, great, Elvis Presley. From the flowers and painted and painted signs outside the gates, to the tear-streaked cheeks of fans inside, see the effect that Elvis and his music had on popular American culture. Spend your evening with George Klein, Elvis' close friend before enjoying a private Highlight Dinner on Graceland's grounds.

Visit Sun Studios, where Jerry Lee Lewis and Johnny Cash recorded some of their greatest albums. Later you will visit the fascinating National Civil Rights Museum, where you will discover the history of the Civil Rights Movement from the 17 century to present.

Overnight: The Westin Memphis Beale Street (Breakfast included)

Day 10

Natchez

Continue to Natchez, founded by the French in 1716 when it became home to a flowering colonial culture. Check in to your charming, luxury country mansion hotel. Whet your palate before dinner during a mixology class to learn the 'science' of mixing a signature drink of the south, the Mint Julep. Then enjoy a delectable four-course Highlight Dinner in the stunning main house.

Stop at Frogmore Plantation and journey back in to a time when cotton was king. With your costumed hosts, tour a reconstructed 19th century plantation and compare it to the modern day operation that produces more than 900 bales of cotton each day. Get a glimpse into the sweet side of the South with a visit to Houmas House Plantation. Once the largest producer of sugar in the country, the mansion was often referred to as 'The Sugar Palace' during its antebellum heyday. In the evening, visit the New Orleans School of Cooking. Discovery the flair of Creole cuisine during a lively cooking demonstration and enjoy the culinary creations with a special Highlight Dinner.

Join a local expert for a tour of New Orleans, through the French Quarter, Jackson Square and through the twisted paths of the 'City of the Dead' - the final resting place of pirates, politicians and voodoo queens.

Overnight: Hotel Montelone New Orleans (Breakfast included)

Day 13

New Orleans

Embark on a boat tour to meet the resident alligators and other flora and fauna in the New Orleans area. Then enjoy some free time, before joining your fellow guests at a farewell Celebration Dinner

Overnight: Hotel Montelone New Orleans (Breakfast and dinner with included)

The weather information shown below refers to the first stop on the tour, call us and speak to one of our travel experts for the most up-to-date forecasts and weather details for your tour.

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Average Temperature (Celsius) Average Rainfall (Inches)

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1

Mar

10ºC

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Apr

17ºC

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26ºC

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Departure Dates & Prices

Departure Dates

Prices From

13 Nights Standard Tour

26 May

€5869

15 Sep

€5829

06 Oct

€5559

13 Oct

€5609

Prices correct as at 6pm on 24 May 2019. Please call for final price. Prices are per person based on 2 adults sharing a room. Other durations available - call for quote.
Sunday departures . Different hotels of a similar standard may be used on certain departures. Parking fees are not included. Supplements may apply on dates within certain dates during peak travel periods. (IN)

Flight Information

Airline

Airport

Class

United Airlines

Dublin

Economy

Flight Upgrades from

Business Class (one way)

€859

Daily flights available with United Airlines, Delta Airlines, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and US Airways.

Accommodation Information

Board Basis

Room Type

Room Only

Standard Room

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Your Enquiry:To help us tailor a quote for you, please let us know any additional information such as; particular resorts & hotels that you wish to stay at? Are you travelling for a wedding, honeymoon or anniversary? Do you have an approximate budget?

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Departure Date: *

I'm Flexible +/- 3 days

Duration:

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Adults

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Child Ages: *

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American Sky and our other brands* would like to email you from time to time with our newsletter, holiday offers and information about our products and services. Please tick here if you do not wish to receive these emails. We will process your personal data in line with our Privacy & Cookies Policy.

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